Srinagar: In a pointed critique of the Indian central government, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, has voiced concerns over the handling of Jamaat-e-Islami by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Addressing a public gathering, Mufti slammed the Modi administration for employing double standards by allowing proxy candidates to represent Jamaat-e-Islami in elections while the actual leaders remain incarcerated.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during her speech in Pulwama’s Chandgam area, Mufti called out the contradictory policies of the Modi government concerning the banned organization. “The real members of Jamaat-e-Islami are suffering, yet some candidates claim to represent the Jamaat in these elections. I do not understand this double standard,” she stated.

Mufti also demanded that the government lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, reopen their educational institutions, return their properties, and cease the oppressive actions of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency against them, asserting that these measures conflict with the principles of a democratic process.

Further highlighting her concerns, Mufti questioned the silence of the Election Commission of India and the Modi government on the issues surrounding Jamaat-e-Islami. She also remarked on the suspicious timing of Engineer Abdul Rasheed’s release from detention, suggesting it was politically motivated ahead of elections. Mufti emphasized the irony of Rasheed’s release when numerous other young individuals remain detained under similar circumstances.